We’re not secretive or ambiguous about what we look for in potential scholars. We seek students who embody our four pillars: leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigor. But what do those words actually mean?

Scholarship

For us, this means you carry a lifelong desire to learn and share newfound knowledge and inspiration with others. You thrive in an academically rigorous environment yet can simultaneously contribute to your community in other ways.

We don’t have a minimum GPA or test score in our application process, but we do want to see that you’ve performed well academically in high school. We pay attention to what your counselors say about the rigor and outcomes of your academic history.

Most of all, we want to know that you’re eager to take full advantage of UNC–Chapel Hill’s academic excellence.

Learn more about three Morehead-Cains recently awarded Fulbright Scholarships to pursue international internships and teach abroad.

Leadership

At the Morehead-Cain, leadership is about more than titles. It’s about impact. We want scholars who know how to make a difference—and have acted to energize others to collaborate on that shared goal. For us, leadership is about courage and action. It’s about initiative. It’s about getting things done.

Learn more from seven Morehead-Cain Alumni about the lessons they learned as UNC–Chapel Hill student body presidents.

Moral Force of Character

Courage, humility, integrity, maturity, perseverance, self‑awareness, generosity, and empathy—these are the core values of the Morehead‑Cain community. We seek scholars who embrace the fact that they are growing and learning, and are energized by the journey ahead. We hope to read application essays that demonstrate these qualities.

Learn more about incoming UNC Campus Y co-presidents Karina Vasudeva ’24 and Imani Rankins (UNC–Chapel Hill ’24) and their focus for the 2023–2024 academic year.

Physical Vigor

We look for students who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to fitness and wellness through an active lifestyle. We seek scholars who value what is gained—collaboration, discipline, stamina, and persistence—by preparing for and engaging in competitions and performances. Please note that due consideration is given to applicants with physical limitations.

Learn about two scholars’ recent summer experiences learning from sports industry executives at Tandem Sports and Entertainment in Washington, D.C., and serving as head delegation liaison for Perú at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

Our application process is designed to tease out these qualities to help you show us the ways you embody these values. We look forward to getting to know you through your written application and, hopefully, later down the line, through interviews!

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